Google adds Xiaomi-pioneered features to Android 16

Google continues its trend of bringing innovative features that were first implemented by Xiaomi and other Android OEMs into its stock operating system, as shown with the recent Android 16 Beta 4 roll-out for Pixels. This trend only serves to underscore Xiaomi’s pioneering role in developing smartphones features as well as the widespread influence the company had over Android development. Integrating such features into base Android is essentially a nod to Xiaomi’s proactive approach towards enhancing user experiences for smartphones.

Double-Tap Screen Lock Finally Comes to Pixel

The latest feature added quietly to Android 16 Beta 4 is double-tapping the lock screen to turn off the screen. This feature was always present on Xiaomi phones using HyperOS, as well as many other Chinese smartphones.

Double tapping only functions within the lock screen within the current beta
There is currently no settings toggle to turn the feature on/off
Google will introduce options for configurations in upcoming updates
It enhances one-handed usability, particularly for bigger devices

Xiaomi’s history of feature innovation.

It is not the first time that Google implemented features Xiaomi had innovated several years before.

Split-screen multitasking (Xiaomi: 2014, Google: 2016)
Reading mode (Xiaomi: 2015, Google: 2019)
Dark mode (Xiaomi: 2016, Google: 2019)
App drawer (MIUI global versions standard many years prior to Android making it compulsory)

Alternative Options for Existing Pixel Users

Pixel users who are not using Android 16 Beta 4 can still access this feature using third-party methods:

“Pixel Toolbox” application offers similar double tap screen-off feature
Several other gesture control apps offered through the Play Store
Custom ROMs typically include these features before they are released officially for Android

The rollout of Xiaomi-driven features into stock Android proves the company’s user-focused design ethos as well as its innovative methodology towards developing smartphones.

Source: Android Authority